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BLOG: Roy to skate in 700th game

by
Chris Wescott
/ Edmonton Oilers

The Oilers newest centre will play his 700th career NHL game tonight against a former team. Derek Roy has played 699 career NHL regular season games with the Buffalo Sabres, Dallas Stars, Vancouver Canucks, St. Louis Blues, Nashville Predators and the Oilers.

“I honestly didn’t know until they told me,” Roy said of the achievement. “I knew I was pretty close to getting there sometime. It’s just a number, but I’ve played on some great teams and played a lot of games in this league. It’s just good. I’m healthy right now, so that’s good and I’ve just got to keep rolling.”

Roy has seen it all in his career. He’s played for different teams under different coaches so it’s easy for him to transition to a new club. When the Oilers acquired Roy in a trade from Nashville in December, it didn’t take long for the new guy to settle in.

“Pretty easy,” Roy said of the transition. “The guys are great here. It’s a great young group of guys, good coaching and the transition was pretty smooth. I’ve played a lot of systems with a lot of different coaches so it’s no different here. It’s just a matter of going out there, battling, winning battles and working hard.”

Roy has six points (2-4-6) in seven games with the Oilers so far, contributing offensively along with providing veteran leadership.

“I think the opportunity helps,” Oilers Interim Coach Todd Nelson said. “I think anytime you get a fresh start somewhere you get a little bit of jump in your stride, you play with more energy. He’s a guy that’s always been a smart player and he’s able to create some offence. I think right now, he’s just accepting the fresh start and he’s been taking advantage of it.”

“We’ve got a great young group here and I’m just trying to work as hard as I can every day in practice and in games to show some leadership and get some points, put some numbers up and help guys score, that’s my job, and play some tough defence,” Roy said. “I’m just trying to do that every game.”

In 699 NHL games, Roy has scored 180 goals and 328 assists for 508 career points. He has 27 career points in 49 NHL playoff games.